Accident-Proof Toasters

Internet connected toasters are the face of hacked devices. While it might not seem that concerning if a hacker knows you toasting preferences, the network vulnerability and the use of your toaster as part of a larger mining operation, mean impacts larger than lost toast settings.

Poorly secured devices can be hacked, which means any sensitive information you have may be used for nefarious purposes. If you keep no information on your device, it may be hacked to be used as part of a network. That means that while your love of medium toast may be valuable information for you, it not be why your toaster got hacked. It may have been hacked so it’s computing power can be used to mine bitcoin or as an entryway into your network. This isn’t terrible for toasters, but for cars, driving on the road, making thousands of precision decisions, a momentary break can have catastrophic consequences.

It would also be amazing if lives could be saved, but there are also huge economic advantages to self-driving cars. What if you didn’t have to spend time driving? The average commute is 25 minutes. What if instead of spending 50 minutes driving everyday, you could read or enjoy your coffee, or catch up with a family member? Imagine having 50 minutes a day to relax (or even start work early) instead of driving. If your time is worth minimum wage ($7.25), then you’re saving six dollars of your own time a day!

Autonomous cars can save lives and time. As autonomous cars grow in popularity, their digital security must be increased as well. Blockchain technology is the next step in a future of autonomous cars ruling the roadways.

Avery T. Phillips is a freelance human being with too much to say. She loves nature and examining human interactions with the world. Comment or tweet her @a_taylorian with any questions or suggestions.